Herbert L. Willett (1864–1944)

Attended Bethany College, Yale University, University of Berlin, University of Chicago. A.B. Bethany College, 1886; A.M. ibid, 1887. Ph.D. University of Chicago, 1896. Instructor Bible Chair, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1893-5. Pastor Dayton, Ohio, 1887-93. Hyde Park Church, Chicago, 1894-6. Minister Memorial Church of Christ, Chicago, 1908--. Professor of Semitic Languages and Literatures, University of Chicago, and Dean of the Disciples Divinity House.

Author, "Life and Teachings of Jesus," "Prophets of Israel," "The Ruling Quality," "Teachings of the Books," "Our Plea for Union and the Present Crisis," "Basic Truths of the Christian Faith," "The First Book of Samuel," "The Call of the Christ," "The Moral Leaders of Israel." "Our Bible."

Willett’s career choices were variations on the theme of Christian education, specifically, preaching, lecturing, publishing and teaching about the Bible. Although claiming his primary calling was that of the teaching profession, he was ordained as a Disciples of Christ minister in 1890, pastoring churches and providing supply preaching for sixty years. Willett commenced his ministerial duties in North Eaton and Dayton, Ohio, 1886-1893. In connection with his work at the Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago, he was appointed the first pastor of the Hyde Park (now University) Church of the Disciples, 1894-1897, later serving as minister at First Christian Church in Chicago, 1905-1908, Memorial Church of Christ (Baptist and Disciple), Chicago, 1908-1912 and 1914-1917, and Kenilworth Union Church in Kenilworth, Illinois, 1926-1940.